Debt Relief Scams-by Diane Thacker

Psalm 24: 1 "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, meaning we manage resources as stewards.

As financial stewards, we proactively choose to take care of our finances, both personal and organizational, and while doing so, we are doing so because "the earth is the Lord's and everything in it".

As such, scammers have attempted to scam A-NOD by phone, as well as attempting to post a payment, hoping that A-NOD would have checked the status of the payment, follow through and "deem it valid," and then unknowingly discover the ugly truth that it wasn't. Thankfully, the glare of dishonesty told the real story of the scammer, and because we called our business bank, we were validated by them that it was indeed a scam rather than having the credit scammer "link onto A-NOD and snatch the organization".

So how can one become aware and proactively advocate for their loved ones and organizations? The list below is not in any particular order that is uniquely yours. This said, the most important thing is to proactively act, as this totally will make a difference going forward.

If it's a phone number you do not recognize, simply answer, "Who is it?" rather than hello, because the scammer has you at " Hello, and because of the tools that they can use to record your voice, they can use it going forward.

Do not share your financial and/or personal information with someone who solicits you via a phone call or text message.

Avoid anyone who promises you results from a "new government program" or "grant".

Document everything that the person is saying. There are ways to find the number and even a NATIONAL PHONE NUMBER that puts the scammer on watch.

If the scammer tells you to pay large, upfront fees for credit repair services-stop them right there-follow your gut when you sense the scam, even if you are not sure.

If it is a bank-related scam, immediately call your personal bank for those matters, and if it is your business or organization, then that bank. Document everything and speak with your banker about the next steps.

With a banker's assistance, change passwords, change all access to your funds and banks, and call the credit bureaus. This is unfair and daunting, yet it is a statement to scammers that you know about them and that justice will be done.

Begin working with a notable Financial Counselor. This said,

A-NOD is aware of a community center-The Evelyn K. Davis Center which assists those who search for business mentors to help with resumes, find work, find clothing for work, business, and/or organizations, classes on how to run a business, and even has free financial counselors that can help the entrepreneurial person with all financial matters.

As such, if you are in the Des Moines area, A-NOD would recommend Kent Johnson. He goes beyond the spreadsheet by spreading his knowledge and expertise regarding numbers in a way that never shames the one he is working with. With Kent, the process of numbers and financials appears fluent in understanding when we speak of them, as well as the reasons the processes are the way they are, and importantly, when a business or organization is being scammed or mistreated as it was, Kent knows how to speak with the "business", knows the rules and laws of how to navigate and bring resolution to the issue. A win-win for all and a way for A-NOD to shine its light more so and give the glory of it to God, our CEO, because everything is God's and we will be blessed as stewards in how we take care of these.

Other debt relief resources: Federal Trade Commission: ftc.gov/debt or call Aging Resources at 515-255-1310